Asus Transformer Prime Can Have Windows 7 and Microsoft Office

Android tablets, and just tablets in general, have been blurring the line between mobile devices and everyday computers since the first tablets were introduced. Each new generation can do more things, has more power and comes ever closer to being able to all but replace a computer. In some cases, you could actually put a computer operating system on an Android device and have your own little touch computer experience.

One of those cases is the Asus Transformer Prime. Using a nifty application and signing up for a free online service called OnLive, you can have a full Windows 7 desktop experience with a few useful Windows applications, including Microsoft Office, at your disposal.

For this one, you don't even need to be rooted. You just need your Prime primed (pun intended) and ready to go. The first thing you'll need is the apk file to install. This is marketed for those in the United States, so for all nine of our U.S. readers, you should be able to find the OnLive application in the Android Market. For everyone else, you can download it directly from this link. Then put it on your Transformer Prime and install.

From there, you have to go to the OnLive website and create an account. Don't worry, it's completely free to create an account there. Also, don't worry if you see that it's for U.S. only. It's hogwash and will work perfectly fine on anyone's Asus.

Once all that's done, open the application, sign in and you'll be treated to a very convincing Windows 7 desktop that actually functions like a Windows 7 desktop. You can re-size Windows, use Microsoft Office and move about as though you were on an actual computer. Need some icing on the cake? You also get 2GB of free Dropbox storage for those who want it.

There has been no BSOD reported with this Windows 7 yet, and I want to emphasize...yet.

Of course, as with any service, there are a few drawbacks. The Internet Explorer is fully functional, but requires a 5USD per month subscription to OnLive to use it. Frankly, it'd benefit most to turn the application off and use the stock Asus browser for their browsing needs or simply wait until they're at a laptop. However, it is each person's prerogative and there could be a case made for college students or online writers who use the internet and Microsoft Office in tandem frequently.

Other than the little fee to use web browsing, though, the rest of the service is free of charge and since there's basically no danger in using this, any Mobotnik who'd like to try it out should try it out. Running Windows on Android devices is always fun.

...why would anyone use (more importantly: pay for) Microsoft Office? Libre Office is free. I have never been in a situation where the FREE Open Office and Libre Office didn't do the job. In fact: I installed it at 2 different workplaces, and my colleagues didn't even notice the difference

...why would anyone use (more importantly: pay for) Microsoft Office? Libre Office is free. I have never been in a situation where the FREE Open Office and Libre Office didn't do the job. In fact: I installed it at 2 different workplaces, and my colleagues didn't even notice the difference

The MS Office is free, it's the Internet Explorer they want ya to pay for. I would never pay for Internet Explorer, but free MS Office = win.

...why would anyone use (more importantly: pay for) Microsoft Office? Libre Office is free. I have never been in a situation where the FREE Open Office and Libre Office didn't do the job. In fact: I installed it at 2 different workplaces, and my colleagues didn't even notice the difference

The MS Office is free, it's the Internet Explorer they want ya to pay for. I would never pay for Internet Explorer, but free MS Office = win.
Ah, I missed that bit. Carry on then.

Interesting stop gap to play with until we get proper windows support with Windows 8, still hoping for that dual purpose tablet/laptop where the tablet runs arm based software (Windows 8 metro or android) and when docked switches to a proper x86 cpu for legacy support. Take my money!

...why would anyone use (more importantly: pay for) Microsoft Office? Libre Office is free. I have never been in a situation where the FREE Open Office and Libre Office didn't do the job. In fact: I installed it at 2 different workplaces, and my colleagues didn't even notice the difference
Excel. All the open-platform versions have compatibility bugs of some kind, and it has to be flawless if you're using it for work.

...why would anyone use (more importantly: pay for) Microsoft Office? Libre Office is free. I have never been in a situation where the FREE Open Office and Libre Office didn't do the job. In fact: I installed it at 2 different workplaces, and my colleagues didn't even notice the difference
Excel. All the open-platform versions have compatibility bugs of some kind, and it has to be flawless if you're using it for work.

oh, sorry. I was obviously wrong. When I said "using it at work", I meant my bingo club.

...why would anyone use (more importantly: pay for) Microsoft Office? Libre Office is free. I have never been in a situation where the FREE Open Office and Libre Office didn't do the job. In fact: I installed it at 2 different workplaces, and my colleagues didn't even notice the difference
Excel. All the open-platform versions have compatibility bugs of some kind, and it has to be flawless if you're using it for work.

oh, sorry. I was obviously wrong. When I said "using it at work", I meant my bingo club.

wait, I'm new with these things and doing full research before deciding on purchase.
You mean there is a monthly fee for online outside of your personal internet connection?
I can tap onto my internet at home with these tablets right?
thanks